As Long As Forever

CHAPTER 21: As Long As Forever

GINO could not almost believe his ears... Mushroom just confessed her love for him for the very first time. And when she kissed him, he could feel the joy outpouring his own heart... He could feel love like he could almost touch it. And all of a sudden all the sufferings he had gone through was nothing compared to what happiness Mushroom made him feel right at this very moment. He wanted to capture this moment and keep it. Because he knew, he can face the greatest trials with this love that he is now holding.

He let Mushroom kissed him. He could feel her trembling lips, her cheeks wet because of tears. He let her communicate with him in a way much deeper than words could ever relay. And when he couldn't take it, he kissed her back. He wanted her to feel how much he loves her and how much he needs her. He kissed her like it's all what he wanted to do in his whole existence.

Mushroom didn't care about the world or anything. All that matters at that moment was Gino. Her heart is throbbing with great love for him. And she felt released from all the pains in the past the moment she confessed her love for him. No, nothing can separate them again. She won't let anything separate her from him.

They kissed for what seemed to be forever, until they were out of breath. Kapwa sila naghahabol ng hininga nang magkahiwalay ang mga labi nila. Namula ang pisngi ni Mushroom nang mapagtanto kung gaano ka-intimate ang posisyon nila. Pero imbes na lumayo, niyakap niya ng mahigpit si Gino.

Then she cupped that face that she had loved all her life and she will love for all time.

Mushroom traced the line of his mouth with her finger then nibbled his upper lip gently and slowly and then she nibbled his lower lip with the same slowness it could take a lifetime. And Gino just didn't care to breathe. They were both gasping for air when their lips unlocked.

Pinisil nito ang ilong niya. "Please don't tease me too much, Mush," samo nito. "I might not be able to hold it."

Mushroom knew they're at the brink of their controls. She could see the desire in his eyes, and she knew that was what he is seeing in her eyes too. And she could feel how much he wanted her, how much he needed her. And she felt just the same.

"Gino..." aniyang nakatitig sa mga mata nito. She could give it to him, right now. But she wanted so much to wear white on her wedding day. She cleared her throat.

Pumikit ito at umiling. Na para bang siya ang namimilit. Natatawang tinampal niya ito.

"I can wait," pagkuwa'y sabi nito.

And she loved him more and more.

"I'll give you butterfly kisses, instead," aniya at inilapit ang mga pilik-mata sa pisngi nito. She then let her eyelids flutter. And she heard him laughed silently.

Hinawi nito ang ilang hibla ng buhok na tumatabing sa mukha niya. "I love you so much, Mushroom."

She smiled at him. "I love you, too, Gino." sagot niya't inihimlay ang ulo sa dibdib nito. And she wanted to lay there forever, enveloped in his arms, listening to the loveliest sound she has ever heard-- the beatings from his heart which from then on she silently vowed to take care of until her very last breath. She could still feel the pain of what Gino had went through and she knew she will weep for it for some time. But she won't let it happen again. She will by all means protect him from hurting even if it costs all that she has... and she will do everything just to make him smile in every moment they are together. That's how much she loves him. She will live all her days loving him.

MADALING-ARAW na nang mapagpasyahan nilang pumasok sa loob ng bahay. At kagaya ng dati, matagal silang nakatayo sa labas ng silid niya dahil pareho nilang ayaw mawalay sa isa't isa.